Georgia Space Flight Act Passes House: Clears Path for Spaceport Camden Georgia is ready to compete in the $330 billion Commercial Space Race 

The Georgia House of Representatives passed House Bill 734, the Georgia Spaceflight Act (GFSA), sponsored by State Representative Jason Spencer (RWoodbine), by a vote of 164-8.

The bill defines procedures for spaceflight activity in Georgia.

“This bill signifies Georgia’s ability to compete on a global scale for a piece of the more than $300 billion commercial space marketplace,” said Steve Howard, Camden County administrator and project leader for Spaceport Camden. “We are closer to bringing countless supply chain jobs and new high-paying jobs to the Coast and keeping Georgia’s top aerospace talent within our state’s borders.”

The GSFA is modeled after the Texas law, Limited Liability for Space Flight Activities, and defines procedures for spaceflight activity. The bill limits a willing space flight participant’s ability to sue for damages related to spaceflight activities for which the participant must give informed consent.

Additionally, the GSFA does not protect against injuries suffered by non-consenting third parties. This language is the foundation of the bill and introduces an industry standard that is used in all other “space friendly” states.

“I am grateful to my colleagues who voted to bring much needed high-tech jobs to our state,” said Rep. Spencer. “Camden County, as well as the state of Georgia, is on its way to making history again. Today’s passage of HB 734 sends a huge message to the commercial space industry that Georgia is now in the commercial space race.”

The GSFA has garnered the endorsements from multiple outside groups and individuals, including the Commercial Spaceflight Federation in Washington D.C. and former United States Speaker of the House, the Honorable Newt Gingrich. Press Release: GA Space Flight Act Passes Page 2 of 2 “Leadership that Listens.”

In a letter of support for H.B. 734, Eric W. Stallmer, President of the Commercial Spaceflight Federation wrote:

“Georgia has an opportunity to position itself as an attractive hub for the industry’s future business activities and operations, bringing significant economic and inspirational benefits to the citizens of Georgia. With this growth there is need for additional launch capacity on the East Coast of the United States that is not a government-centric launch site, and southeast Georgia is probably the last and best place to site such an installation.”

From his letter of support, former Speaker Newt Gingrich wrote:

“House Bill 734, the GSFA seeks to add protections that are necessary for this nascent industry to succeed. The potential for Georgia to become part of the $300 billion dollar annual global commercial space industry would be one of the most significant economic development projects in our beloved state’s history. By passing H.B. 734, Georgia will be writing its own destiny.”

HB 734 will now go to the Senate for consideration.

A no-vote hearing is scheduled for Monday March 7th at 3:00 PM in Room 310 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building. 18 Capitol Square SW, Atlanta, GA 30334

About Spaceport Camden: Our Vision is to develop a successful world class spaceport through a public-private partnership that establishes Camden County as the Space Center of the United States. Our Mission is to create the premier spaceport strategically positioned to provide economic diversity with a competitive advantage for the space sector, Camden County, the State of Georgia and the United States of America. For more information please view our website at http://www.SpaceportCamden.us.